Have you ever said about another ethnic group, oh I can’t tell them apart, they all look the same? Well, that is rather offensive; in the same way that the publication New York Daily News seems to have been. They mistook Padma Lakshmi for Priyanka Chopra (because both names begin from P or because both are beautiful Indian women?) and Padma Lakshmi called them out on it.
While saying thanks for the shoutout, she pointed out that the publication had tagged Priyanka Chopra instead of Padma Lakshmi. “I know to some we all look alike, but” she said. The tweeple, of course, had much to say as well.
This commentator pointed out that Padma Lakshmi is one of the few famous Indian women that some Americans knew. He also hastily pointed out that he was being sarcastic --- since on Twitter it takes no time at all for one to be misunderstood and attacked.
This commentator called the publication out for their entitled ‘white’ attitude that sometimes lumps together people of colour and results in gaffes like this one.
One commentator pointed out that the NY Daily News did at least get the gender right; that they did not tag Kal Penn (Indian origin American actor).
One commentator posted a gif of Kumail Nanjiani, a Pakistani origin American standup comic – because clearly it is OK to mix-up people. One funny guy from the subcontinent with a Muslim sounding name with another funny guy from the subcontinent with a Muslim sounding name.
Priyanka Chopra is of course beautiful and Padma Lakshmi is nudging 50 and looks breathtaking. So if they are mixing up women of Indian descent, perhaps this is a compliment?
Though the NY Daily News deleted their original post, this is certainly something that is highly embarrassing for them.
Several commentators pointed out that this is just a sloppy and unprofessional work from a publication that has the resources to ensure that such mistakes do not happen.
Someone helpfully morphed a photo to demonstrate how and why the mistake was made.
While most expressed their criticism for the publication's thoughtless mistake, they appreciated Padma Lakshmi’s tongue in cheek reply. If we are to weed out prejudice and ignorance from the world, it makes sense to do it gently, without rancour and a dash of humour. There is little point in adding to the sum of strife and acrimony in the world.
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